Decorating & Design
20+ Ways To Bring The Ski Chalet Look To Your City Home
Published on December 3, 2020
You don’t have to actually snap on the bindings and hit the slopes to love ski chalet style. This type of decor is particularly suited to Canadian homes and celebrates the True North with forest motifs, natural materials and a “cozy up by the fire” sensibility. We can’t think of a better incentive to don the flannel and break out the fondue pot! Click through to see how you can bring the chalet chic aesthetic home, even when you’re miles away from the nearest chair lift.
Rich-Toned Leather
In this family-friendly ski chalet in Whistler, B.C., designer Alda Pereira chose sink-in rust-colored leather chairs, which contrast beautifully with the dramatic alderwood cabinets.
Brick Fireplace
Having a fire to gather around after a day bundled up in the snow is a must, whether you’re in the city or the country. This brick hearth feels modern while still suiting the chalet’s rustic-chic interior.
Mountain Motifs
Give your bedroom a sense of place (read: in the mountains) by adorning the walls with a rocky painting framed by dark millwork. Balance out the cave-like feeling with light linens, marble and a camel-hued headboard.
Après-Ski Fireplace
This curvy, suspended stunner is a classic mid-century design can be rotated to direct the heat where it’s needed most, like frigid feet after a day on the mountain. This fireplace offers a sexy ’70s spin that doubles as sculpture.
Plush Rug
A comfy rug is an open invitation to keep your toes nice and toasty. It’s especially welcome when the floor is concrete (as in this serene chalet) or stone.
Scandi Sauna
It’s an admittedly luxe addition to a chalet, but Scandinavian spas practice the art of sweating it out in the sauna and then rolling in snow: the temperature extremes have health benefits and are a bracing way to end a day on the slopes.
Warm Wood
The warmth of wood cuts the chill… literally! A mellow honey-brown stain allows the unique beauty of the grain to show through. If you don’t have log walls or panelling, get the look with a rustic pine bench or flooring underfoot.
Nubby Knits
It’s always sweater weather in a ski chalet, so don’t forget to dress up the bed with textured blankets. This cozy, oversized knit can warm your toes or double as a throw (we call dibs on that armchair overlooking the perfect winter vista).
Tree Stumps
No surprise here: forest motifs are naturally at home in a ski chalet. In an entry, a stump table is a functional yet unfussy way to bring the outdoors in. This version gets a Scandi-style spin with a frosty coat of white paint.
A Spot To Warm Up
Everyone wants to gather around the fireplace after a day on the slopes, and a generous integrated bench in this Whistler alpine-inspired home offers enough seating options to accommodate a crowd.
Wood Beams
Wooden beams and trusses lend architectural character — even when they aren’t structural. They inject homespun charm to a room. Touches of copper, seen in this sleek kitchen vent hood, and burnished metal pendants add a dose of gilded glamour.
Faux Fur
Fur is a winter staple, but it doesn’t need to be real to offer warmth — a cruelty-free alternative is our go-to. Designer Anne Johnston gets the same cozy effect with a faux fur throw that looks as convincingly luxe.
Wrought Iron
Historic, humble and durable, hardy wrought iron accents (seen in the chandelier, lantern and fireplace accessories) are an easy way to conjure up chalet style.
Rustic Fieldstone
A fieldstone fireplace gives architectural gravitas and makes a grand gathering place for the whole family. The organic shape and coloration of the stones offers a one-of-a-kind look.
Stacks Of Wood
A pile of kindling is always dry and ready to start a roaring fire at designer Grace Castaneda’s family ski chalet. Aside from providing warmth, artful piles of logs complement natural accents and double as chic Instagram subjects.
Woodland Chandelier
Antlers (resin versions are readily available and realistic) are a classic accompaniment to wood walls.
Stone Floors
They can stand up to slushy, salty boots, and the rough texture even offers some traction. We love the way stone floors naturally transition to a stone fireplace.
Heritage Pattern
A beloved Hudson’s Bay Point blanket upholsters an ottoman in designer Kate Thornley-Hall’s classic ski chalet. The iconic stripes inject color, or opt for buffalo check and other plaid patterns, which are equally cozy, traditional staples of chalet style.
Alpine-Themed Accessories
Pay homage to the winter sport that’s the beating heart of every ski chalet with a playful nod to all things alpine. An antique ski banister keeps things steady on — and off — the slopes in this family chalet in Collingwood, Ontario.
Pine Bench
Putting on ski boots, or even just donning winter footwear, can be awkward. A rustic bench (a farmhouse find) can be just as useful in the city when going gets rough outside.
… And Don’t Forget Outside!
Set a warm, welcoming chalet note with lanterns, greenery and holly bushes wrapped in burlap for winter curb appeal.